Health minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has vowed to prevent the country from being used as a hub for drug peddlers and dealers to trade illicit drugs, particularly opioids.
Addressing the media on Monday, March 17, 2025, Akandoh expressed concerns about the dangers associated with the influx and illicit trade of opioids in the country, adding that the president is equally committed to addressing the issue.
He stated that the country’s efforts to facilitate trade with neighboring countries will not be exploited by unscrupulous individuals as a shield to illegally import drugs.
“Inasmuch as we are interested in facilitating trade in this country, we will not allow Ghana to be safe havens for opioids. And let me tell you that the president is personally interested in this matter. On my way here, he called me twice and it tells you how important and critical this particular issue is,” he said.
The minister, who is also a lawmaker, stated that the country’s laws designate two specific routes — the Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport — where drugs are legally transported to help streamline the process and ensure the quality of the substances.
In a bid to enforce strict compliance with these laws, the minister issued a directive to security agencies to confiscate any drugs transported through land borders, as these are not designated routes for legal drug transportation.
“Per our rules and regulations, by our laws, there are only two designated areas for the import and export of medication or drugs; Tema Port and the Kotoka International Airport. Drugs are not imported through our land borders and therefore, I encourage all the stakeholders, all our security agencies to confiscate any drugs, even if it is paracetamol and it’s going through our land bodies,” he continued.
The Member of Parliament for Juaboso reiterated the looming danger posed by the influx of opioids into the country, emphasising that his office, with the full support of the government, is committed to combating the drug problem and taking strong action.
He added that most illegal drugs enter the country through transit goods, noting that they are working to tighten regulations governing the transit of goods to close any gaps or loopholes that could contribute to this issue.
“And the president has also committed that he is going to provide all the logistics it takes for us to effectively fight the influx of opioids in this country. So, the law is clear, we are not going to reinvent the wheel. In fact, we are also looking at touching our regulations regarding transit goods because usually they hide behind transit goods.
“This is believed to be going to Niger and last night I was in talks with the Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs. We are contacting the Niger government to know whether or not they have okayed such a consignment. Even if they have, we will not allow our ports to be a transit point for illegal or unauthorised drugs.”
The minister made this announcement following the interception of a 40-foot container of undeclared opioids, bound for Niger, which was seized at Tema Port.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reportedly seized a 40-foot container filled with pharmaceutical opioids at the Tema Port that was destined for Niger.
According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the consignment, lacking proper labeling, did not include the details of the manufacturer, except for a “Made in India” inscription on the strips.
Further details from the report indicate that the consignment had not been properly declared to customs, an act that constitutes a customs offense, thus warranting the seizure.
The container, upon inspection, was found to contain Tapentadol 120mg, 40 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 3mg, and 190 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate, along with 320 cartons of other pharmaceuticals.
MAG/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Otumfuo urges government to cancel or review Free SHS if students cannot be fed or accommodated